1773 and 7 March 1774

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Lucy Knox

Later copy of two love letters from Henry Knox to Lucy Flucker (Knox) written during their courtship. In the first, Knox complains of not receiving a message from Lucy, expresses his affection, and attempts to solidify plans for a meeting at a coffee house the following day. The second is an even more impassioned love letter in which he longs to see Lucy, asks if she has spoken with her father about their relationship, expresses anxiety over the unknown, and urges Lucy to never distrust his love. Refers to Lucy as Speria and himself as Fidelio. Henry and Lucy wed in June 1774.

GLC02437.00125

18 March 1774

Fowle, Robert Luist, 1743-1802

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Promises to settle his account and requests that Knox return his and his uncle's note, so his uncle can pay it. A post script asks Knox not to indicate that Fowle desired the note sent to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This long-standing debt for stationary is discussed in GLC02437.00064, GLC02437.00097, GLC02437.00102 and GLC02437.00105. Robert Fowle worked as a printer and publisher in Portsmouth and Exeter, New Hampshire until 1777.

GLC02437.00126

29 January 1821

Dunbar, Jesse, 1760-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Encloses a petition from N. Manson "for the remuneration of a fine paid Z[abdiel] Sampson." Discusses a bounty related to a cod law.

GLC06313.04.104

8 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He describes the irregularity and unreliability of mail. He writes that he has bought four yards of red flannel, eight dozen hair pins, paper, large-sized soap but that he has not yet been able to find a knitting cloth. He will send what he purchased with Molly Green. He relates a rumor that the army at Manassas has fallen back. He says that if the army does actually fall back, he will speedily make arrangements to be with her. He writes that he has selected a dress for his wife, baby, and aunt and that he will get them when he receives his monthly pay.

GLC06582.09

10 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He is distressed to hear that his wife is suffering from neuralgia. He had made plans for her to see him. He confirms rumor that army has fallen back at Manassas. He mentions plans to see Mr. Benjamin to ascertain whether the army will retreat as far back as Gerdensville. He confesses that the falling back of the army will dampen the hopes of the People. He predicts that the aftermath of the war will be determined in the months of April, May, and June. He asks his wife to "fix all the papers" and not to misplace his bonds. He exclaims that he would rather burn his bonds than lose them since…

GLC06582.10

12 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Describes the uncertainty of army movements. Advises his wife to take the next train to him if she fears anything. He complains that the Government maintains too much secrecy, and so exaggerates peoples' fears.

GLC06582.11

13 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Says he is confident that in times like these she will not let a week go by without writing to him. He regrets not sending for her by writing, "Procrastination ruins more plans than anything else." He mentions wanting to see her "very much." He informs her that James Fields will be going up on Friday and that if he can not be there he will ask him to escort her down.

GLC06582.12

14 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Asks why his wife does not write more frequently so he does not need to be as worried for her safety. He writes that he was unable to get a leave of absence. He thought up an idea to ask the Secretary of War to station troops in Culpeper to serve as policemen or rangers. He writes that the army will fall back to the south side of James River. He goes on to explain that if the North achieves possession of the Railroad that the southern troops may have to evacuate. He tells his wife of news from Arkansas that Price has captured the entire Yankee army and that Stonewall has removed his heavy…

GLC06582.13

12 May 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Expects a telegraph from her. He describes uncomfortable conditions at a local tavern where he shared a room with three men and his bed with one of them. However, by the next day he was able to get a room that was vacated. He also says that he misses her "more than [she] can imagine."

GLC06582.14

17 May 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that the city was thrown into "great commotion" by an announcement that the Yankees were eight miles away with gunboats despite the obstructions placed since Norfolk. He was given permission by Colonel Deas to go and stay for as long as he thinks is proper.

GLC06582.15

20 May 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Mentions that the end of the war will "require strict economy and management in all affairs." Predicts that after the war is over, money will be harder to get and taxes will be "mountain high." He warns wife to treat servants kindly but to not "approach intimacy" as that would cause a loss of respect. As an example he provides his Cousin James who gets ill at the Penitentiary because he talks so often with convicts who no longer fear or respect him. He informs her that Mr. Shields has returned. He says that his health is improving with the only exception being his continuing side pain.

GLC06582.16

24 May 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Heard cannon firing in the morning and suspects (but does not know for a fact) that it was a "scary sight" since it lasted for about four hours. Thinks "the enemy" wants to enter Richmond. Believes "Jeff" (Davis) and his cabinet are a "failure." He mentions that the Southern states are dissatisfied.

GLC06582.17

5 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes a reply to her two letters, to be sent by Uncle Merton. Agrees that his letters have been unfortunate because very few have made it through the mails. He mentions that Uncle Merton has been to Richmond to see Bruce who is stationed three miles from town on Williamsburg Road. He says his right arm is recovering from the rheumatism and that he has continued to hear cannon fire.

GLC06582.18

7 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Asks whether she and his aunt have received the supplies he sent. Hopes to get two weeks leave soon so that he can visit. He contradicts rumors that the south will soon be conquered, writing that "our people can never be subdued, unless our leaders prove false or incompetent."

GLC06582.19

10 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Sends this letter by a Mr. Jones. He says that not an hour passes that he does not think of her. Asks about the baby and if she can say "father" or if instead she continues her "babbling" of "dad dad dad." He also mentions that she is old enough to receive a spanking.

GLC06582.20

11 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that the current "state of things" leads him to worry. Mentions that Tom Jones may not be able to go out because he may be part of the reinforcements for Jackson in the valley. Claims that 5,000 men were to leave this morning and that no citizens were allowed a passage to Lynchburg. Mentions that the army is watching McClellan but that the uncertainty they are feeling may lead them to disaster. He informs her that Tom Jones has told him that Mr. George is to be married to Miss Knox despite the strong opposition from his children. He tells her to keep the linen clothes as he already has…

GLC06582.21

12 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Describes two battles two weeks in passing where 3,000 were killed, wounded, or missing. Furthermore, he describes the battle to be more destructive than all other previous battles in the war with the exception of Kernstown. He informs her of the good news sent by Jackson that he has "repulsed Fremont and totally routed Shields." Plans on subscribing to the Young Men's Christian Association that night. He mentions that by paying the Association's fee of two dollars, he will have access to 2600 volumes. He is trying to find employment for the hours between four o'clock and seven o'clock. He…

GLC06582.22

17 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He sent a pencil letter to his wife with Mr. Day including lemon syrup and castor oil. Writes that he will send his aunt soda powders. "Richmond is starving almost" due to the high selling prices and scarcity of goods. Asks her if she has noticed how favorably his handwriting has improved. Describes himself as a "demi military man" and expects to face battle as much as anyone else in the army.

GLC06582.23

17 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He has received letters from her every day for the past several days. The news is dull, but he has seen General Price, who looks too benevolent to be a warrior. Price's troops have not yet arrived. Plans on going home to see her "as soon as the central road is clear."

GLC06582.24

20 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Asks if she is sick or in need of stamps. He asks her to write to him if she has not done so already. He would like her to record the progress of Liz and to report the effect the chicken pox had on Lizzie's "head piece." He describes the rising prices of provisions such as butter and chicken. Comments on the high costs of board (two dollars). He mentions that Ellis Sturman is going to be stationed in a small town near Goldsboro, North Carolina.

GLC06582.25

21 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Comments on how her last letter seemed to be "under gloomy feeling." He says he has written to Sister several times and that she has only written once. Writes of Cousin Albert, Cousin James, and Cousin Narcissa. Comments that Narcissa is dissatisfied with her present situation. He is sorry to hear that the baby is sick and hopes that his wife's fears exaggerate her condition.

GLC06582.26

24 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that he will get the cotton and send it at along with another item she requested at "first safe opportunity." Does not think Mr. Jameson has come to the city yet. The weather has been "excessively hot." He writes that "the city is dull" except for incoming rumors from Maryland. He describes receiving a note from Woodson Hansbough which "coolly informed" him that he has told Mr. Scammell that he would settle his bill at the Hotel. He does not appreciate Hansborough's ways and expects her to treat him with " much distant civility." He discusses a man and married woman who seem to be "…

GLC06582.27

26 June 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that the "roar of cannon & musketry was painfully audible and exceeded the thunder of the fiercest storm." He mentions that General Hill's division fought on his side where his troops drove the enemy three or four miles and captured three batteries. He hopes that God grants that McClellan's army face "total annihilation." He has found that tea costs seventeen dollars despite knowing someone who was able to get the tea for four dollars per pound. He is glad that Pen escaped the battle and that he does not think that the contest will last more than a week or ten days. Writes that in…

GLC06582.28

1 July 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Tells his wife she should not give way to the gloom she expressed in her letter, and reminds her that their condition is much better than that of others. Explains that he and she are both alive whereas many from the south such as Mr. Daniel and Capt. [Crittenden?] have died, away from their wives and families whom they "had not seen for months." In addition, he mentions the situations of many Southerners, which include eating half rations, "toiling in the marshes of the Chickahominy, drinking its execrable water."

GLC06582.29

8 July 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Complains about the heat, he has "never known it to be warmer. . ." Writes that he has left all that is dear to him. Although he is exhausted, upon hearing that Maj. Parks would deliver this letter he was determined to write. Informs her that McClellan "lies between the James & Chickahominy river."

GLC06582.30